As if the day wasn’t challenging enough, I walked out of the office, only to have a car pull up right in front of me. A tall, handsome man with perfectly styled dark hair and sharp blue eyes was inside, watching me with an intense gaze that made me feel like he could see right through me. I tried to ignore him, but he stepped out smoothly, moving with a grace that reminded me of a cat stalking prey. Just then, he opened the backseat door for someone else.
Out stepped a teenage boy, smelling of wealth and arrogance. He looked at me with a smug grin. “You’re the new secretary, right?” he asked, and I nodded, feeling suddenly trapped. “Emma, isn’t it?” He said my name slowly, his voice almost mocking, his eyes making me feel like he saw me as some prize to claim.
“My dad told me a lot about you, Miss Emma. Heard some good things.” His voice dripped with sarcasm. I forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”
“Call me Luis,” he said. He looked like a younger version of Harrison, but something about him felt more… dangerous. His eyes had the same sharpness, but none of the warmth I’d felt with Harrison. A chill ran down my spine as he stepped closer and grabbed my elbow, pulling me nearer.
“You’re quite young for my dad, Miss Emma,” he said, and I found myself confused about who was his dad and who he really was. Before I could ask, he leaned in, his voice a whisper against my ear. “But I get why he picked you. You have this… innocence that’s kind of appealing.”
I tried to pull away, but his grip was firm. “Don’t worry,” he said, with a smile that felt more like a threat. “I’m sure we’ll get to know each other better.”
I managed to break free, my heart racing as I stepped back. “I-I need to go,” I stammered, motioning towards the road.
Luis stepped aside, his smile growing. “Of course, Miss Emma. I’ll see you soon,” he said, watching me as I hurried off, gripping the keys to Harrison’s place as if they could protect me.
Driving away from the office, I couldn’t stop thinking about Luis. Who was he to Harrison? A son, maybe? But Harrison never mentioned having a child. Was it a coincidence? Or was there something I didn’t know?
As the mansion grew smaller in my rearview mirror, I tried to focus on my feelings for Harrison, the connection we shared. But doubt crept in-was I just a temporary thrill for him? A way to pass time until he returned to his real life?
When the driver finally pulled up at Harrison’s mansion, I stepped out, feeling a strange mix of fear and excitement. I headed towards the grand entrance, trying to shake off my worries about Luis. But as I walked through the mansion’s long halls, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong.
I made my way to Harrison’s suite, gripping the keys like a lifeline. As I unlocked the door, I felt both excitement and anxiety. The suite welcomed me with the scent of leather and cologne, wrapping me in a comforting familiarity.
The room was filled with rich furniture and deep-colored drapes, the kind of luxury that felt a bit overwhelming. But then I noticed the unmade bed, a reminder of the moments we’d shared here earlier. A warmth filled me, and I let myself sink onto the bed, my worries momentarily easing.
Just as I was settling in, the door opened suddenly, and I sat up, startled. Rachel rushed in, her face full of worry. “Emma, are you okay?” she asked, hurrying over to me. “I heard what happened. You can’t stay here.”
I looked at her, confused. “What do you mean, Rachel? Harrison said I’d be safe here.”
Her eyes softened, but there was sadness there. “Emma, it’s not that simple. You’ve crossed a line that can’t be uncrossed. Mr. Luca is not someone to mess with, and you’re now in the middle of things between Harrison and Adrianne.”
My stomach sank. Rachel was right-the mansion was full of dangerous people, and I’d just caught the attention of the most dangerous of all. “What do I do?” I asked, my voice small and fearful.
Rachel took a deep breath, her gaze firm. “You have to leave,” she said, handing me a small envelope. I could feel the money inside. “It’s not a lot, but it should be enough to get you somewhere safe until things settle down.”
I looked down at the envelope, my mind spinning with questions. “What about Harrison?” I asked, my voice shaking. “What will happen to him?”
Rachel’s face grew even more serious. “You can’t worry about him now, Emma. You need to think about yourself.” She took my hand, squeezing it tightly. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s for the best. Mr. Luca won’t stop until he gets what he wants.” And I knew she was right.
With shaky fingers, I took the envelope. “But where do I go?” I whispered.
Rachel squeezed my hand again. “Anywhere but here. Take the next train to the city, find a small hotel. I’ll call you when it’s safe.”
Her words hit me like a reality check, but I understood she was right. I had to go, for both of us. I nodded, tears filling my eyes. Rachel helped me pack a small bag, moving quickly and quietly. “Remember, trust no one here,” she warned as we headed to the back door.
“But, Rachel,” I said, pausing. “What about you?”
Rachel’s face softened. “I’ll be okay. I know how to survive in this world. But you… you’re different. You have a fire in you, and if you stay here, it’s going to get you burned.”
I stared at her, my mind filled with fear and gratitude. “What if they find out you helped me?”
Rachel gave me a sad smile. “They won’t. I’ve been doing this a long time, Emma. Just take care of yourself.”
With a heavy heart, I hugged her tightly, knowing it might be the last time I saw her. She guided me to the back exit, and I slipped out, clutching the envelope and bag. I hurried away, heading for the train station with one last glance at the mansion.